Vancouver, BC, April 10, 2024 – Harbour Air, North America’s largest seaplane airline, announced today its partnership with the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT) as part of its Share the Fare program. This collaboration underscores Harbour Air’s commitment to supporting coastal communities in British Columbia and advancing sustainable initiatives.
Jessica Dunn, Head of Marketing & Public Affairs at Harbour Air, emphasized the airline’s dedication to sustainability in the communities it serves, noting, “Our commitment to coastal BC communities through Share the Fare extends far beyond mere sharing. With the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust now part of the program, we’re actively bolstering crucial community initiatives. We’re honoured to support their vital work within the Biosphere region.”
Every Friday, Harbour Air designates as “Share the Fare Friday,” where the airline donates $1 on behalf of every passenger flying with them to selected organizations. The addition of Clayoquot Biosphere Trust to this program aims to bolster sustainable development, conservation, reconciliation, and youth empowerment efforts within the region.
Rebecca Hurwitz, Executive Director of Clayoquot Biosphere said, “We are deeply grateful to Harbour Air for their generous support of the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre! Harbour Air’s commitment to sustainability and collaboration mirrors our mandate as a UNESCO Biosphere. Their partnership underscores our shared vision for thriving people and places, and by giving back now they will create a legacy for the future.”
The Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre, built and operated by the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust, will serve as a dedicated space to advance sustainable development, conservation, and reconciliation through education, research, and community programming within the Biosphere region.
The Biosphere Centre will be a space to deliver sustainable initiatives, advance climate action and conservation through research, and implement educational programs tied to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Additionally, it will function as a Living Building, embodying principles of regenerative, self-sufficient, inclusive, and sustainable design.
Harbour Air and Clayoquot Biosphere Trust acknowledges the territories of hiškʷiiʔatḥ (Hesquiaht First Nation), ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ (Ahousaht), ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations), Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government (Ucluelet First Nation), and tukʷaaʔatḥ (Toquaht Nation) in the spirit of truth, healing, and reconciliation.
For more information about the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre and the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust, visit www.clayoquotbiosphere.org.
For more information about Harbour Air’s Share the Fare program, visit www.harbourair.com
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About Harbour Air
Harbour Air is North America’s largest and the world’s first fully carbon-neutral airline. The company’s international seaplane service, which originally began in 1982 with two seaplanes, is now a quintessential west coast experience. With a fleet of 45 aircraft, Harbour Air offers up to 300 daily scheduled flights, scenic tours, adventure packages, and private flights. With 12 scheduled destinations connecting downtown Vancouver, Victoria, Seattle (WA), Nanaimo, Tofino, Whistler, Vancouver Airport/Richmond, Sechelt, Salt Spring Island, Powell River and Comox, B.C. Harbour Air transports around 500,000 passengers every year. For more information, visit www.harbourair.com
About the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust
The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT) is a registered charity based on the west coast of British Columbia. Established in 2000, the CBT is the only organization in Canada that is both a community foundation and a UNESCO biosphere region. We pair the spirit of community with the power of a global presence to bring more people together for a shared understanding. Our team works to strengthen the development of all citizens, communities, and the ecosystems on which we all depend, for a future we can all be proud of. To find out more visit www.clayoquotbiosphere.org.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Jessica Dunn
Head of Marketing & Public Affairs
Harbour Air
Email: jdunn@harbourair.com
Michelle Hall
Clayoquot Biosphere Trust
Email: michelle@clayoquotbiosphere.org
Great Deals in Full Bloom
Spring has sprung and our deals are in full bloom!
To celebrate the longer days and warmer weather, we’re offering spectacular spring savings on our Nanaimo/ Vancouver route. Hop aboard and experience a breathtaking 20-minute flight taking you from harbour to harbour. Discover new experiences, make unforgettable memories, and save money while you’re at it!
Our spring deals offer something for every traveler, from solo adventurers to family fun-seekers. Book now, limited quantities available!
Flights between Nanaimo and Downtown Vancouver
starting at $69 one-way
Departing Nanaimo
Departing Downtown Vancouver
Terms and Conditions:
- For travel on select flights March 23, 2023 – June 30, 2024
- Fares are valid until June 30, 2024 (6:00 p.m. PDT or COB) or while seats remain available for booking on selected flights and travel dates
- Prices displayed above are subject to change and are not guaranteed until payment is made and accepted
- Seats at this fare are limited and may not be available on all flights and all dates
- Valid on Light Fares only. Fares are non-refundable and non-changeable. A full list of fare terms and conditions can be viewed here
- Fares valid on new bookings only
- All fares are shown one-way
Whistler Returns May 1
This summer skip the highway for the real sea-to-sky ride and enjoy scenic views of snow-capped mountains, winding valleys and majestic glaciers before landing in the heart of Whistler at Green Lake. Our most spectacular scenic flight returns May 1 with direct flights between downtown Vancouver and Whistler. Plus, we’re giving you more ways to get there this year with direct Whistler flights between Victoria and Richmond (YVR South)!
Explore more and experience a bucket-list worthy adventure. Hop aboard one of our amazing scenic tours in Whistler; exploring rugged mountain ranges, stunning vistas, ancient glaciers, and the breathtaking glacial waters of mile-high Garibaldi Lake.
There’s no place quite like Whistler, and no better way to experience it than from the air! Book now and take advantage of our low fares for travel.
Flights between Whistler and Downtown Vancouver
Flights resume May 1
starting at $119 one-way
Departing Whistler
Departing Downtown Vancouver
Flights between Whistler and Richmond (YVR South)
Flights resume May 3
starting at $89 one-way
Departing Whistler
Departing Richmond (YVR South)
Flights between Whistler and Victoria
Flights resume May 2
starting at $159 one-way
Departing Whistler
Departing Victoria
| Whistler to downtown Vancouver | Downtown Vancouver to Whistler |
|---|---|
| 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM | 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM |
| 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM | 9:45 AM – 10:30 AM |
| Whistler to Richmond (YVR South) | Richmond (YVR South) to Whistler |
| 3:45 PM – 4:35 PM | 1:30 PM – 2:20 PM |
| Whistler to Victoria Direct flights return May 2 | Victoria to Whistler Direct flights return May 2 |
| 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM |
Of course, we’re always here to talk! If you need more information or have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our friendly Customer Contact Centre at 1.800.665.0212 or click here to book now!
Terms and Conditions apply
- For travel on select flights, starting on May 1, 2024 – May 31, 2024
- Fares are valid until May 31, 2024 (11:59 p.m. PDT) or while seats remain available for booking on selected flights and travel dates.
- Prices displayed above are subject to change and are not guaranteed until payment is made and accepted.
- Seats at this fare are limited and may not be available on all flights and all dates.
- Valid on Light Fares. Fares are non-refundable and non-changeable. A full list of fare terms and conditions can be viewed here.
- A full list of fare terms and conditions can be viewed here.
- Fares valid on new bookings only.
- All fares are shown one-way.
Tofino Flights Return
Fly direct between downtown Vancouver and Tofino this season. This scenic flight offers jaw-dropping views of the Clayoquot Sound and Pacific Rim National Park and is sure to make travelling to/from Tofino a highlight of your trip.
And, we’re giving you more ways to fly with departures available from our Richmond (YVR South) terminal resuming May 1!
Pick-up/drop-off in Tofino is located in the heart of Tofino Harbour at the Tofino Resort & Marina Adventure Centre, just minutes from village of Tofino. More info including maps and hours can be seen here.
Take advantage of our low fares for travel.
Flights between Tofino and Downtown Vancouver
starting at $179 one-way
Departing Tofino
Departing Downtown Vancouver
Flights between Tofino and Richmond (YVR South)
starting at $119 one-way
Departing Tofino
Departing Downtown Vancouver
| Downtown Vancouver to Tofino | Tofino to Downtown Vancouver |
|---|---|
| 12:00 PM – 12:50 PM | 1:30 PM – 2:20 PM |
| Richmond (YVR South) to Tofino Flights return May 1 | Richmond (YVR South) to Tofino Flights return May 1 |
| 2:00 PM - 2:50 PM | 3:30 PM - 4:20 PM |
Terms and Conditions:
- For travel on select flights, starting on March 15, 2024 – May 31, 2024
- Fares are valid until May 31, 2024 (11:59 p.m. PDT) or while seats remain available for booking on selected flights and travel dates.
- Prices displayed above are subject to change and are not guaranteed until payment is made and accepted.
- Seats at this fare are limited and may not be available on all flights and all dates.
- Valid on Light Fares. Fares are non-refundable and non-changeable. A full list of fare terms and conditions can be viewed here.
- A full list of fare terms and conditions can be viewed here.
- Fares valid on new bookings only.
- All fares are shown one-way.
Comox Flights Now Available!
It’s never been easier to connect between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland with the return of our seasonal flights between Comox and downtown Vancouver.
Our Comox terminal is located at the Comox Valley Marina, just a short stroll from the Comox Town Centre. More info including maps and hours can be seen here.
Take advantage of our low fares.
Flights between Comox and Downtown Vancouver
starting at $159 one-way
Departing Comox
Departing Downtown Vancouver
Flights between Comox and downtown Vancouver return with two daily flights.
Downtown Vancouver to Comox Comox to Downtown Vancouver
7:50 AM – 8:35 AM 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM
3:35 PM – 4:20 PM 4:45 PM – 5:30 PM
Of course, we’re always here to talk so if you need more information or have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our friendly Customer Contact Centre at 1.800.665.0212 or book online.
Terms and Conditions:
- For travel on select flights, starting on March 4, 2024 – May 31, 2024
- Fares are valid until May 31, 2024 (11:59 p.m. PDT) or while seats remain available for booking on selected flights and travel dates.
- Prices displayed above are subject to change and are not guaranteed until payment is made and accepted.
- Seats at this fare are limited and may not be available on all flights and all dates.
- Valid on Light Fares. Fares are non-refundable and non-changeable. A full list of fare terms and conditions can be viewed here.
- Flights to/from Seattle valid on International Fare. A full list of fare terms and conditions can be viewed here.
- Fares valid on new bookings only.
- All fares are shown one-way.
Explore More for Less.
Travel [even] more in 2024! Spend more time exploring and less time travelling with our lowest fares on some of your favourite routes. Hop aboard and takeoff on a scenic scheduled flight and get where you need to be in under an hour. Just say Harbour Air and you’re there.
Valid for travel between now and March 31, 2024 on select flights Saturday through Monday. With limited quantities available, these fares won’t last long! Book now and fly for less.
Flights between Victoria and Downtown Vancouver
starting at $99 one-way
Departing Victoria
Departing Downtown Vancouver
Flights between Nanaimo and Downtown Vancouver
starting at $79 one-way
Departing Nanaimo
Departing Downtown Vancouver
Flights between Downtown Vancouver and Salt Spring Island
starting at $99 one-way
Departing Downtown Vancouver
Departing Salt Spring Island
Flights between Downtown Vancouver and Seattle
starting at $199 one-way
Departing Downtown Vancouver
Departing Seattle
Flights between Downtown Vancouver and Sechelt
starting at $98 one-way
Departing Downtown Vancouver
Departing Sechelt
Flights between Richmond (YVR South) and Nanaimo
starting at $79 one-way
Departing Richmond (YVR South)
Departing Nanaimo
Flights between Richmond (YVR South) and Salt Spring Island
starting at $89 one-way
Departing Richmond (YVR South)
Departing Salt Spring Island
Terms and Conditions:
- For travel on select flights Saturday through Monday, November 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024
- Fares are valid until March 31, 2024 (11:59 p.m. PDT) or while seats remain available for booking on selected flights and travel dates
- Prices displayed above are subject to change and are not guaranteed until payment is made and accepted
- Seats at this fare are limited and may not be available on all flights and all dates
- Valid on Light Fares. Fares are non-refundable and non-changeable. A full list of fare terms and conditions can be viewed here
- Flights to/from Seattle valid on International Fare. A full list of fare terms and conditions can be viewed here
- Fares valid on new bookings only
- All fares are shown one-way
We’re Supporting Tour de Cure!
Harbour Air is proud to not only sponsor but be an active participant in BC Cancer Foundations Tour de Cure (formerly Ride to Conquer Cancer). Most recently, in 2022, our team of riders, generous partners, suppliers, passengers, and employees were the #1 fundraising team helping raise $675,000. And while we’ve made huge ‘rides’ forward, unfortunately, so too has this destructive disease.
So, we’re upping our game and together with our team, setting a goal of $1,000,000.
Our team ‘Blood, Sweat, and Cures’ consists of more than 50 riders including Harbour Air employees, Lymphoma Researchers, Lymphoma Cancer Survivors, Instrumental BC Cancer Foundation Donors, and Anthem Properties employees. Riders will participate in 50 km, 100 km, or 160 km rides together cycling 550 kms during a two-day event August 26th & August 27. We believe by doing this we can show you how important we believe the work that the BC Cancer Foundation is doing and why we need your help.
Our Goal
Contribute to our teams goal of raising approximately $1,000,000 for the Centre for Lymphoid Cancer and leverage that through grants to as much as ten times.
These funds raised will be focused on:
- Developing accurate diagnostic tools and new treatments
- Tapping into state-of-the-art genomics, models, and testing to characterize the biology of lymphoma
- Implementing biomarker tests to better guide treatment decisions
- Developing a world-class training program to attract and ensure the next generations of leaders
Want to Help?
Fly on Fridays! Leading up to the two-day ride on August 26th and August 27th, 100% of the funds raised through our Share the Fare Friday’s program will be going towards our team’s goal. Our Share the Fare program donates $1 on behalf of every passenger, every Friday year-round, more information about this initiative can be found here. Plus, you can help make a difference with a Share the Fare donation of your own on any flight, any day. Ask us how!
We are very appreciative of your support as we take part in this cycle continuing our ongoing commitment to helping the BC Cancer Foundation in their efforts to find a cure for cancer.
More information about Tour de Cure can be found here.
We’re Buzzing to See You: Spring ePlane Tour
As we celebrate Earth Month, we are thrilled to be taking off on a Spring ePlane Tour to Downtown Vancouver, Salt Spring Island, and Victoria, giving you a chance to get up close and personal with the future of sustainable flight.
April 22: Earth Day at Downtown Vancouver | 1055 Canada Place
Join us at Harbour Air’s Coal Harbour terminal as the ePlane makes its first public appearance in downtown Vancouver for Earth Day. The ePlane will be viewable from the Seawall.
May 5-6: Electrify on Salt Spring Island | 115 Fulford-Ganges Road
Harbour Air is thrilled to be participating in Electrify Salt Spring, a month-long program bringing experts on electrification and renewable technologies together. On May 5, the ePlane will make its first visit to the Gulf Islands, marking the first time the prototype plane will land on a scheduled flight route, from Richmond South to Salt Spring Island.
Join us on May 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ganges Harbour Airport to learn more about the future of zero-emissions air flight and take a closer look at the ePlane. Members of Harbour Air’s ePlane team will be on site to answer any burning questions, and of course our all-electric deHavilland Beaver will be on display.
We will also be participating in The Electrifying Issues for Salt Spring and BC panel on May 6 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gulf Islands Secondary School Multipurpose Room. More info about this panel can be seen here.
May 7-8: Victoria Harbour | 950 Wharf Street
Join us as the ePlane makes its first appearance in Victoria Harbour! The ePlane will be arriving on Sunday, May 7th, subject to suitable weather conditions, and will be viewable from the harbour.
On Monday May 8th between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. you’ll be able to learn about the future of sustainable flight from Harbour Air’s ePlane team, as well as take a closer look at the ePlane from the docks. The Flying Otter will be open and taking part in the festivities!
*Please note all events are weather dependent, stay tuned to our social media for the latest updates.
Earth Day ePlane Update
Happy Earth Day! It has been quite a while since we provided an update on our electric journey, mostly because our team has been focused on navigating the ever-changing path to certification for an all-electric aircraft. When we last posted, we had just completed our first point-to-point flight.
Since that amazing day, there have been many twists and turns on our path to certification. As we attempt to take the path never traveled before, overcoming challenges is very common in the commercialization and certification of new and novel technologies. Nonetheless, we are committed to realizing our goal of becoming an electric commercial air operator.
Over the past few months, certifying the installation of components into an aircraft where no certification path exists has been difficult. Adding to the challenge has been using novel engine and battery technology. Incorporating the elements of software and electronic control systems makes it increasingly difficult. The result? Despite everyone’s best efforts there are significant delays in the program that have recently come to light. Part of the delay in our updates has been due to us trying to understand the issues that have arisen, and the resulting consequences to the program.
Fundamentally, the technology has been outpacing the regulators. When this happens there is a risk that the regulators come to a different conclusion or interpretation. One such situation occurred when an assumption was made throughout the industry that an electric engine is equivalent to a reciprocating engine when it comes to system safety analysis and single fault tolerance to a loss of power control (LOPC). However, we since learned that the regulators will require a system safety analysis for a single electric engine installation to meet the reliability requirements, and that it must be single fault tolerant to an LOPC event. Additionally, the regulators will also be issuing a definition of what LOPC means for an electric engine later this month, as it will be different than that of an internal combustion engine.
So, what does that all mean? Considering the regulators have spent a year determining how LOPC applies to an electric engine, the result means that many companies working in this sector are revisiting their architecture to meet this requirement. Furthermore, given the ongoing supply chain issues with electronic components, changing what was thought to be a frozen design, comes with significant delays.
The next steps for the eBeaver:
- We are changing from the magni350 electric propulsion unit to the magni650 electric propulsion unit for ePlane 2.0. This will allow us to meet the LOPC requirements at the aircraft level.
- The entire engine and energy storage system installation is being evaluated to meet the higher reliability requirements.
- Our ground running certification prototype will be built early next year.
- ePlane 2.0 will likely fly later next year.
- The regulators do not expect to achieve harmonization on the battery requirements until late 2024, which means certification of battery components will occur in 2025.
- Certification of the magni650 is expected in mid 2025, which means certification for the installation on the eBeaver will fall after that date.
In the meantime, ePlane 1.0 will continue to fly and provide valuable data for the team on the effects on flight handling qualities and operational considerations. The importance of this prototype cannot be understated, as the lessons learned from this aircraft will allow us to design and build a superior product that meets certification requirements.
With over 70 test flights performed and crucial data gained, we’ve developed a better understanding of the behaviour, advantages, and limitations of a fully electric system, allowing us to determine certification compliance items. From this data we can understand our performance targets, decreasing the risk of validation flight testing later in the program.
The more we can run this system and gather data, the more we can predict behaviour. We’re also able to provide feedback to our partners, to help inform their design decisions moving forward.
We are buzzing to share that ePlane 1.0 is taking off on a Spring ePlane Tour celebrating Earth Day! Starting with its first trip to downtown Vancouver for Earth day, April 22nd, followed by a stop on Salt Spring Island May 5-6 to participate in Electrify Salt Spring, and onward to Victoria Harbour on May 7-8, subject to suitable weather conditions. More details about these events can be viewed here.
Sign up to our ePlane updates to be the first to know, and stay tuned to our social media and website for further information on how you can participate in these events! We can’t wait to see you there!
Until next time…
Harbour Air’s ePlane Team
We know that a huge part of our success is because of the beauty of the West Coast experience we offer – an experience that we want to protect and support for generations to come. It’s why we are so strongly committed to being an industry leader on sustainable initiatives.
In 2007, we became the world’s first fully carbon neutral airline(1), and established our ongoing commitment to being carbon neutral. To date we have offset over 167,000 tonnes CO2e, that’s the equivalent of removing over 36,000 gas– powered cars from the road for a year! We are also committed to making real emission reductions through managing fleet renewals, guiding flight operations, and optimizing air traffic, routes and scheduling. In doing so, we have reduced our emissions per revenue dollar by 23% to date.
For our unavoidable emissions, we support four carefully selected carbon offset projects to ensure that we are truly mitigating our climate impact. They are each third-party verified to ensure that they have a real climate benefit, and that benefit would not have occurred without carbon offsets. When you fly with Harbour Air, you can feel good flying.
Offset Projects We Support
The Great Bear Forest Carbon Project
An ecological treasure in Haida Gwaii, B.C., the Great Bear Rainforest is home to the world’s largest remaining intact coastal temperate rainforest. It is the first carbon project in North America on traditional territory with unextinguished Aboriginal rights and Title, returning ownership to stewards of the land.
When you fly with Harbour Air, you are contributing to the protection of over 7,000,000 hectares of forest from harvesting, road building, and other forestry operations.
Located in B.C.’s interior wet belt, the Darkwoods Forest is part of a network of interconnected habitats to form a contiguous wilderness area of 103,000 hectares. It is home to some of the highest tree diversity in the province, abundant streams and rivers, and the last remaining stands of interior temperate rainforest.
When you fly with Harbour Air, you are contributing to the conservation efforts for diverse ecosystems and important species such as the mountain caribou, grizzly bears, and migrating birds.
Photo Credit: Bruce Kirby
Brazil Wind Project
This project consists of the implementation and operation of a variety of wind power plants in Brazil that otherwise would have been sourced through the combustion of fossil fuels. The estimated total GHG emissions reduction for the lifetime of this project is over 4 million tCO2e. This is the equivalent of preventing the emissions from over 10 natural gas-fired powered plants for a year.
When you fly with Harbour Air, you are contributing to help fund clean and renewable energy projects to increase sustainability efforts in Brazil.
Heqing Solar Cooker Project II
Located in Zhangye, an underdeveloped region in Northwestern China, this project involves the installation of solar cookers to mitigate GHG emissions, improve living conditions, and improve indoor air quality and hygiene for residents. The estimated GHG emissions reductions is 143,750 tCO2e annually.
When you fly with Harbour Air you are contributing to subsidizing the installation of 49,000 solar cookers for local communities in need of better infrastructure.
Harbour Air supports high-quality offset projects that are third-party verified to ensure the reductions are real and permanent and that they would not have occurred without funding from carbon offsets. To learn more about the carbon offsets that we support and the standards that they meet, visit Ostrom Climate’s website here.
1Carbon emissions are offset for all fuel, electricity, business flights on third-party airlines, paper, email and internet use, as well as employee emissions from commuting and working from home.